The NFL recently revealed that Latin music sensation Bad Bunny will be hosting the prestigious 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show on February 8, 2026. While many saw this as a change in pace in the show’s long history, former racecar driver Danica Patrick doesn’t seem to be on board with this idea. She took to her X, claiming that no English songs in the show shouldn’t be a thing.
Oh fun. 🙄
No songs in English should not be allowed at one of America’s highest rated television events of the year… not just for sports. https://t.co/Q4Q1ZPJySC
This comes from the fact that the Bullet Train star doesn’t perform any songs in English, and doesn’t even have any songs that were ever made in any other language than Spanish. This has become a significant point of contention for many on the internet, where people share sentiments similar to those of Patrick.
NFL Faces Backlash for Super Bowl 2026 Halftime Show Diversity Strategy
The introduction of Bad Bunny to the Super Bowl Halftime Show is part of the NFL’s effort to embrace the global diversity of its fanbase and highlight the international reach of both the League and its featured artist. Even the artist himself stated that this was a feeling beyond words (via CBS News), saying:
What I’m feeling goes beyond myself. It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown… this is for my people, my culture, and our history. Ve y dile a tu abuela, que seremos el HALFTIME SHOW DEL SUPER BOWL.
Yet, at the same time, there has been a lot of chatter regarding the decision, calling it out to be nothing more than forced diversity. This was heated even more when, in an interview with i-D Magazine, the star commented on the ongoing ICE raids in the US, calling them unsafe for him and his fans.
Thus, fans were quick to point out his sentiments about the US state of governance and law enforcement to say how he is willing to perform for one of the country’s biggest sporting events despite early contentions. In conjunction with his problems with the Trump administration, fans are even more divided with the MAGA movement and sense of nationalism.
Although there are still reports suggesting that he might incorporate English lyrics in his Super Bowl performance in February (via Rolling Stone), we will just have to wait for new details to know for sure.
How Bad Bunny’s Influence Is Transcending Music in Recent Years
While the points of difference between his Super Bowl performance and the patriotic fans of the NFL are high, Bad Bunny, in recent years, has been diversifying his portfolio in the entertainment industry, apart from music. Alongside Bullet Train, he has been in other film projects in recent years, like Happy Gilmore 2 and Caught Stealing.
Apart from that, he was also seen entering the squared circle in the past, particularly in his match with WWE superstar Damian Priest at Backlash Puerto Rico. There, he and the superstar put on such an amazing show that fans are still asking him to return to the WWE for another.
And now, a live performance opportunity at one of the grandest stages of them all next year is sure to add to the illustrious career of the music star.
Are you excited for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show? Tell us in the comments below.
Bullet Train is available to stream on Hulu (US).
